Samsung has often timed its Note release to the late-August IFA show that takes place each year in Berlin. But last year, the Note 7 arrived in early August, which wouldn't have been a big deal if the plus-size phone hadn't burst into flames and prompted two separate recalls. Speculation was that Samsung rushed to get the Note 7 out far ahead of Apple's iPhone reveal in early September.

The Note 8 is Samsung's first real chance to rehabilitate the line. While the Galaxy S8 was the first phone to use Samsung's eight-point battery check for phone safety, it's the Galaxy Note line that needs to come out the other side flame-free.

With so much riding on the Galaxy Note 8, it's crucial that Samsung sticks the landing, especially if it wants to start selling phones before the 10th anniversary iPhone' s release, which Apple is expected to announce in early September.